Emmi returns to education after prison in Finland

In Finland, around 5,000 adults enroll in basic education each year, many wishing to complete their schooling after significant life interruptions. Emmi, a 38-year-old woman recently convicted of violent crimes, is one such adult. After a 20-year hiatus, she is apprehensively returning to a classroom setting, where she sits down with a Swedish language book and a notebook. “I’m a bit nervous about whether I can keep up,” she admits, revealing her struggles with reading and concentration.

Having spent two years in a closed prison, she participates in remote Swedish lessons provided by a teacher from Hämeenlinna Lyceum, who teaches inmates across various facilities. The adult education has doubled in the past two decades, largely due to immigration, and over 90% of these students are of immigrant background. While the increase in the compulsory education age to 18 has subtly raised the number of adults pursuing education, the path remains challenging.

Emmi recalls her past—she left school after the ninth grade, partly due to a chaotic upbringing. “I was often neglected during my studies,” she states, reflecting on how kitchen duties overshadowed her opportunity for education while serving time at a youth care facility. Although she believes she might have finished school with help, only about 200 students currently do not complete their education each year.

Inside the prison system, Emmi has found support for her studies, especially towards a gardening degree. After her release, she aspires to live a crime-free life and contribute to her family despite the hurdles she faces, including being tested for ADHD while in prison. At present, Emmi is eager to transform her life and hopes to return to society as a responsible citizen.